ADVOCATE ADVOCATEADVOCATE
Coming together
Darlene Denstorff AROUND ASCENSION
Ron C. Henderson, deputy commissioner for the Louisiana Department of Insurance, will be the featured speaker at 11:30 a.m. Nov.21atthe November Ascension GOP Roundtable, sponsoredbyAscension Republican Women. The Roundtable is at the Clarion Inn, 1500 W. La. 30, in Gonzales.
Agraduate of Southern University Law Center as well as Southern University at New Orleans where he holds aBachelor of Science degree in criminal justice, Henderson servesas deputy commissioner with the Office of Consumer Advocacy &Diversity for the Louisiana Department of Insurance. Cost for the lunch is $30. Make advancedpaymentby visiting paypal.me/ARW225. Reservations are requested.A $5 room fee will be collected for those not dining. RSVP: (225) 921-5187 or arwrus@aol.com.
ReptileRave
Spend an action-packedday visiting with dinosaurs,live snakes, turtles and alligators at Ascension Parish Library’s Reptile Ravefrom 9:30a.m. to 5p.m. Saturday in Gonzales. Celebrate the fascinating world of reptiles with aday full of activities.
n 10 a.m. and 2p.m.: Dinosaur Experiencewith RangerMartin
n 11 a.m. and 1p.m.: Food from Jambalaya Capital Catering n Noon: Author Gayle Webre presents her book “When IWas an Alligator”
n Noon: Touch ababy alligator from Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
n 4p.m.: See snakes, turtles and ablue-tongued skink from Nature on the Geaux Wood carvingsecrets
Learn how to turn apiece of wood into astunning work of art. Look inside theworld of wood carving with artists from the Pelican Wood Carvers Guild.
Sharpen your knowledge about what it takestoturn a block of wood into something amazing at 6p.m. Thursday at the Ascension ParishLibrary’s Galvezbranch. Learnhow to plan designs, choose the right wood, and pick the perfect finish for your project Register online or call (225) 622-3339.
CountdowntoChristmas
Add something special to your holiday decor while answering the question,“How many days
Community news report
Veterans rode in floats,cars, golf carts, jeeps and militarystyle vehicles Sunday during the VeteransDay Parade through thestreets of Gonzales. Paradegoers watched as riders tossed beads, candy and other treats. Localveterans groups,Junior ROTC units and Scoutsalso took part in the Sunday afternoon parade.
Holy Rosary church fair celebrates fall
PHOTOSBYWENDY LOUP Reid Braud, right, and his father Damon, won first place in the La Fête des Bayous minipotjambalaya contest. Second place wasawarded to Mason and MikeBraud. Third place winners were Gavinand Baker Elisar
BYWENDYLOUP
Contributing writer
Thisyear’s Our Lady of Holy Rosary Catholic Church’sLaFête des Bayous not only featured rides and bands, but also included ahalf dozen other events. Boo with theBadge, Talent AfterDark musical performances, a5K Nun Run, car showand gumbo and jambalaya cook-offs were all part of the fair’sfestivities.
ACHS, Dutchtown volleyball advance to state
ABOVE: Members of the Dutchtown High School Navy Junior ROTC march in the parade. LEFT: Elise Tureau Frederic crowns daughter GentryFrederic, 4, with athrow. Ricks Leonard
The Dutchtown Griffins and the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs volleyball teams advanced in their respective divisions with regional wins. Dutchtown, 33-9, beat Denham Springs in straight sets at home. It advances to play third ranked Mount Carmel on Thursday at the Cajundome in Lafayette. The Griffins were led by Cady Kusy with 10 kills, 2aces and 11 digs. Anna Anderson had 15 kills and 3aces. Other contributors were Hayden Herring with 7kills, followed by Caroline Johnson with 7 digs. Jamie Ragsdale had 19 digs. Olivia Songy and Kinsey Phillips led in assist with 17 and 14, respectively Coach Patrick Ricks was pleased on how his team handled the game. “Our team played well today after the first set. We had meaningful contributions from everyone in our lineup,” Ricks said. ACHS, 24-13, advanced with a straight set victory over Westminster Lafayette in Donaldsonville.Ava Landry had 17 kills with only one error in the match. Isabella Troxclair had 10 kills and zero errors. Both players were exceptional at the net for ACHS. Coach Janelle Leonard washappy about how her team played. “When we limit our unforced errors, we give ourselves abetter chance of win-
ABOVE: Children ride the Dragon Wagonrollercoaster Nov. 2during Our LadyofHoly RosaryLaFête des Bayous fair in St. Amant. LEFT: St. Amant residents BlakeGremillion pours sand fordaughter Hayden, 3, while StephanieGremillion helps daughter Payton, 2, make sand art.
PHOTOSBYMORGAN WERTHER
Prairieville Middle 4-HClublaunchesLittleFreeLibrary
Community news report
Prairieville has itsown Little Free Library thanks to the Prairieville Middle School’s4-H club.
Little Free Libraries are aglobal phenomenon. The small, front yard book exchange boxes number more than 150,000 around the world in over 100 countries from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan.
Anew Little Free Library,16392 Ole HomesteadLane, in Prairieville will join the movement to share books, bringpeople together and create communities of readers, anews release said.
Theschool’s4-H club hosted agrandopening party for its Little FreeLibrary on Nov.2.The celebration included family-friendly activities, refreshmentsand a bake sale.
“When Ibecame our school’s4-H sponsor last year,itwas so easy to become involved
and encourage not only our students to participate, but also to include my own family,” sponsor Wendi Aucoin said. With help from her husband, Chris, and her father, “Tot”Lobell, Aucoin builtthe structure for the club to use for the little free library
Recited at everyclubmeeting,students pledge their hands to larger service.
“Last year,students completed aservice project on our school’scampus to recycle scrap paper,”Aucoin said. “Ourclub members are excited to taketheir service to a larger scale this year and involve the community.”
The Little Free Library nonprofit organization has been honoredbythe Library of Congress,the National Book Foundation andthe American Library Association. Reader’sDigest named them oneof the “50 Surprising Things We Loveabout America.”Tolearn more,visit littlefreelibrary.org.
Ascensionschools hostingSpecial EducationJob Fair
Community news report
Ascension Public Schools is hosting aSpecial Education Job Fair onNov.13atBluff Middle School, 15464 Bluff Road, in Prairieville.
AROUND
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until Santa comes?” Your family will love moving the star marker on this pizza pan calendarasthe days get closertoSanta’sarrival.
Registration is required. Reserve your spot for this festive workshop on Saturday at the Dutchtown Library onlineorcall (225) 673-8699.
Trip to Greece planned
The DonaldsonvilleAreaChamber of Commerce is planning a trip to Greece,June 1-9. The ninedaytrip includesstops in Athens, Santorini, Pelponnese, Poros, Hydra and Aegina. the cost is $3,799. For information, call (225) 473-4814.
Reducedpet adoption fees
Cara’sHouse is offeredreduced adoption fee on all dogs
Any qualified applicant interested in ajob in special education can attend the event, setfrom 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The job fair will offer on-site information and networking op-
that have been spayed or neutered. Visit the shelter from 5p.m. to 8p.m. Thursday andpay $30toadopt adog.
Fall Craft& Vendor Market
Visit Tanger Outlets Gonzales this weekend for the Baton Rouge Fall Craft &Vendor Market
The outdoor shopping booth willbe open from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5p.m. Sunday
Fall VaccinationClinic Sunday
Pets can receive free DAPPv vaccines for dogs and HCP shots for catsfrom 10 a.m. to 2p.m. Sunday at Athletes In Motion, 15074 Airline Highway,inPrairieville. Babies’ vaccines and microchipping is $5.
Tankproofcollectingdonations
Tankproof, anonprofit providing free swimming lessons and helping those in need, is collect-
portunities for those interested in making adifference in thelives of students with diverselearning needs. For information, visit ascensionschools.org.
ing donations for the Dec. 7turkey giveaway at Municipal Park on Meylan Street in Gonzales.
The event, from 11 a.m. to noon, is hosted by TheBrosFresh and Shayla Washington and 4 Skyz Da Limit.
A$100 donation can purchase four turkeys. To donate, call (225) 939-0931 by Nov.29.
Sheriff’sChristmas Crusade
The program provides Christmas toys for children through age 12. Applications are available at the sheriff’s offices in Gonzales, Donaldsonville and Prairieville. Nov.22isthe deadline to submit an application. For information, call Sgt. Misty Turner at (225) 621-8827.
Contact Darlene Denstorff by phone, (225) 388-0215 or (225) 603-1998; or email, ascension@ theadvocate.com or ddenstorff@ theadvocate.com. Deadline: 5p.m. Friday
LEBOEUF
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ning. Westminster Lafayette is a good team, and Iknew we had to step it up. We were prepared, it was the best we played in some time. Coming out of homecoming week, it is always achallenge but thegirls played with energy,” Leonard said.
Dutchtown advanced to the semifinals last season in Division I, adivision that is loaded with great teams, but Ricks is confident in his team.
“Weare very excited to be returning to the state tournament,” Ricks said. “The team has had this goal as agoal since early in the season. We are looking forward to continuing this run.”
ACHS will play Thursday against Riverside in the division five bracket. The Bulldogs beat Riverside in four sets earlier this season, but Leonard knows it will be achallenge.
“Wewill be facing Riverside, and it won’tbeaneasy match,” Leonard said. “Riverside is a well-coached team, and they are scrappy,wecan’ttake them lightly.Weare excited to be going back to the Cajun Dome. We have been on aroller coaster in the way we have played this year.Ascoaches, we felt like we
Prairieville Middle School’s 4-H club members officially open
Prairieville’s first Little Free Library during aNov.2 launch party
PROVIDED PHOTO
peaked alittle bit early.Wedid go through asluggish period, but it seems like they may have new life to close out the season.”
Playofffootball:
Division 1nonselect:
n 11th seed Dutchtown (8-1) hosts 22nd Walker.This is arematch of district foes, with Walker winning 44-24 for the Griffins only loss.
n 15th St. Amant (7-2) hosts 18th Westgate. The Gators shared the district title with Dutchtown and gets atalented Westgate team at the Pit.
Division 3nonselect: n 17th ranked Donaldsonville (5-5) travels to No. 16 Baker.The Tigers finished on atwo-game winning streak, just missing out on ahome playoff game. The winner will get top seeded St. James in the regionals.
Division 4select: n Second ranked Ascension Catholic will have abye and face the winner of No. 15 Opelousas Catholic and 18th ranked Westminster Lafayette. The Bulldogs finished 8-1 overall and were District 8-1A champions for the sixth year in arow Troy LeBoeuf covers sports for the Ascension Advocate. Reach him at troyleboeuf@hotmail. com or ascension@theadvocate. com or on Twitter,@Troyleboeuf.
TwoSLU students amongReginald F. LewisScholars
Community news report
ADonaldsonville accounting major has been named aReginald F. Lewis Scholar for the University of Louisiana system.
The university system developed aprogram to enhancethe educational experiences of exemplary Black male students.
Twostudents from each of the system’s nine-member institutions, including Southeastern Louisiana University,are participating in the fourth cohort of the ReginaldF.Lewis Scholarsprogram, an initiative that focuses on academics, social advancement and community service.
The program is named for Reginald F. Lewis(19421993), the first BlackAmerican businessmantobuild a billion-dollar company, TLC Beatrice InternationalHoldings Inc.
The 18 program participants are rising sophomores who were chosen based on academic merit and leadership skills. Calvin Delone, of Donaldsonville,and Samuel Omosowone, of Nigeria, will represent Southeastern this year
The scholars’ program was created with and is still funded by private donations from supporters and various organizations who saw a need to focus on this specific demographic with the goal of ultimately expanding to help all unique populations in the ways appropriate to themthroughout theUL system, anews release said Each group of Reginald F. Lewis Scholars are pinned during aceremony held at the Black MaleSummit, which aims to identify solutions for the systematic barriersand newopportunities for Black male faculty,staff
and students in theULSystem. Delone said therecognition will beanindispensable milestone in hisjourney toward achieving his professional aspiration —workingatone of the big four accounting firms.He sees the program as an opportunity that will equip him with essentialtools and support that are particularly scarce for African American males in higher education Omosowone, an international student majoring in computer sciences, aspires to pursueacareer in software engineering. He said that the ReginaldF.Lewis Scholars program will greatly assist in his career goals and will provide mentorship, networking opportunities and other resources,allowing him to excel as abetter person, student andleader Jerry Parker serves as facilitator of the program. He is aFrench and Spanish instructor,undergraduate program coordinator and director of the Foreign Language Resource Center Parker said scholars receive afull tuition scholarship.In addition, cohorts engagein three key areas:
n Thecommunity experience, which includesa partnership with the Universities of Louisiana Management andLeadership Instituteand aservice learning project
n The socialexperience, which includes an annual retreat, and academic and professional mentorship from business, community anduniversityleaders
n The academic experience, which includes research projects and astudy abroad opportunity during junior year
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Delone
Omosowone
Firstresponders pick up newskillsduringhazmatdrills
Community news report
First responders participatedin two hazardous materials drills recently hosted by industrialpartners.
Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office hazardous-materialsteam members, the Ascension Parish IMAG Team and members of theExxonMobil Operations &ERT Team participated in ahaz-mat drill at the Sorrento Storage Dome Facility in Sorrento, said CAER Chair James E. LeBlanc.
“These types of training scenarios give our emergency responders ahands-on learning experience as close to real life as possible,” LeBlanc said in astatement about the drill. “Many lessons were learned, along with building abetter relationshipwith our Industry Partners and assets available to us when needed.”
Assessor hires chiefdeputy
Community news report
Kate George Babin is the new chief deputy assessor for AscensionParish Assessor’sOffice, Assessor MJ “Mert” Smiley announced.
Babin has been employed by the Assessor’sOffice since2008. She is an IAAO Certified Deputy Assessor whose performance has been consistent throughout the complexities of her assignments, anews release said.
“The integrity and reliability of her work is impressive, which made her an obvious choice to serve at the highest level beneath the assessor,” the release said.
“Kateisthe type of employee that we all strive to be. She has been called on many times to tackle distinct aspects of the Assessor’sOffice andalwaysperformed brilliantly.Iamhappy to have someoneofKate’sability to help me keep the Ascension Parish Assessor’sOffice as one of the premier offices in Louisiana,” the assessor said.
Babin and her husband, Matt, are lifelong residents of Ascension Parish, and they have two children.
drill at ExxonMobil Pipeline in Ascension Parish.
Aspart of the drill, members of Ascension Parish emergencyresponse teams learned about all the chemicals manufactured, stored andshippedatthe Domesiteand
what equipment will be neededto respond to the area when needed, LeBlanc said. The drills are intended to provide an opportunity for local emergency
response teams to test their ability to respond to hazardous materials incidents. The exercises provide the opportunity to identify the response andcoordination issues that could arise during avariety of hazardous materials scenarios and make the decisions to resolve those issues, LeBlanc said.
ExxonMobil hasdetailed emergency response plans describing how they will respond to any emergency,LeBlanc said.These plans canbequickly invokedtodeploy containment equipmentsuch as movable barriers andbooms to limit thespread of aspill, LeBlanc added.
Other objectives of the drill were:
•Stop the leak by shutting down systems quickly and safely
•Dispatch first responders and cleanup crews
•Get spill response equipment to
the site
•Contain the released product to minimize spreading
•Ensure the safety of the public, employees and contractors
•Protect wildlife, water bodies and vegetation
•Repair the pipeline
•Clean up, remediate and restore the site
•Long-term monitoring of the site to determine if any further action is required
Also, firefighters from Ascension Parish Fire District 1, CAER Team, APSO Haz-Mat Team, Geismar Volunteer Fire Department, Gonzales Fire Department, AscensionParish IMAG Team and members of the Skyfall Biologicals Operations Team participatedina tabletophazmat drill at the Skyfall Biologicals Facility in Ascension Parish, LeBlanc said.
Rescue Alliance raisingmoney forresponsevehicles
Community news report
Rescue Allianceisraising money to purchase avan and recreational vehicle to enhancedisasterresponse capabilities.
Every day,Rescue Alliance receivesurgentcalls from community members seekinghelp to rescue orsafely transportcatsinneed. As anonprofitdedicated to rescuing animals and reducing pet overpopulation, Rescue Alliance is turning
Prairieville firefighters graduate fromtraining
Community news report
AscensionParishFire District 3 andthe Prairieville Fire Department recently held graduation ceremonies for trainees completing the necessary classroom and practicalinstruction to serveas firefighters
This is theseventh training class conductedbythe PFD, with six of the new first responders joining their ranks and one becoming a member of the Gonzales Fire Department.
to the community for help acquiring vehicles to help in pet rescues.
Initially,Rescue Alliance aimed to raise funds to replace theengine of its currentvehicle,but therepair costs are overwhelming, anews release said.
“A new van wouldallow us to answer urgent rescuecalls,and an RV would be acritical assetfor disaster response, allowing us to reachmore animals safely,”said JonathanHenriques,directorof
operations. “Each day without reliable transport is aday lives are at risk.”
Rescue Alliance is calling on the community and local businesses to help in one of two ways:
n VehicleDonations: Avehicle donation would directly impact the nonprofit’sability to providelifesaving care.
n Financial Support: Contributions of any size will help us purchase the vehicles. Donations will
go directly toward enhancing rescue capabilities.
Community support for these vehicles will allow the nonprofitto save more lives andprovidecritical care during emergencies.
How to help:
n Donate by mail: Rescue Alliance, 13342 Crawford Road, Gonzales, LA 70737.
n Donate online: givebutter.com/ transport to contribute to the vehicle fund.
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PROVIDEDPHOTO
Ascension Parish emergency responseteams participate in arecent hazmat
PROVIDED PHOTO
Attending a firefighter’straining graduation ceremonyfor Prairieville Fire Department, from left, PFD Fire Chief
Mark Stewart, Peter Liotta, Remy Hopkins, Devereux Guillory, Cade Reynolds, Zack Bergeron, Connor Ferrill, Triston Blackmon, PFDChiefofTraining Jesse Wingate, PFDDeputy Fire Chief PatrickCarpenter